The 103-year-old Harley-Davidson Motor Company is a world-famous success in the motorcycle business. Wisely, it is always seeking to improve upon itself. Today, more than 35 years after the rise of women’s liberation movement, women are still barely ten percent of Harley-Davidson riders*. Understandably, the Motor Company would like to expand in this market. With good intentions, and confident a fair amount of ink would follow, the Motor Company invited a group of experienced motojournalists to a couple of press junkets. Their ages ranged from early-forties to early-fifties, and they—We— were all women.

In June, 2004, H-D took us to Las Vegas, Nevada to ride six or seven bikes—Harley cruisers and Buells—for a day. A year and a half later, H-D gave us two days to wind out the gears around the switchbacks and fog-filled canyons of California's San Bernardino National Forest on the 2006 models. More often, on new-model-release junkets, the journalists ride one bike for at least a day. We took every available moment to tell some of H-D's top longtime officers and engineers not just what we thought of their motorcycles, but what motorcycles mean to us.

Yes, it's fun, it's cool. With controls at each hand and foot, we are more focused on the task of operating the machine. We enjoy the feeling of successfully applying skill and power. Without a cage of metal around us, we see the environment more clearly, and use this information to keep ourselves safe. The road isn't pink and blue, we really don't see anything gender-specific about it. All the he-man, woman-bashing, authority-rebelling posturing is beneath us, what's the big deal? For us, it's a better way to get around. Most of us are pretty familiar with Harleys, and several of us own them.

H-D is a significant player in the domestic motorcycle market. Sales of heavyweight motorcycles (over 750ccs) have continued to rise slowly over the last five years, but the Federal Highway Administration's registration numbers show that motorcycle riders comprise just two percent of American road users, so the market is hardly oversaturated. Although motorcycling may not be for everyone, clearly, there’s plenty of room to swell the ranks considerably.

Generally accepted market research** reports that women control 80 percent of an American family's spending, over $2 trillion a year. So, the hand that rocks the cradle also holds the purse-strings. The problem isn’t just that women don’t ride motorcycles. It’s that most women don’t want the men in their lives to ride them. Sadly, even in today’s self-indulgent world, lack of personal empowerment still keeps many women (and men) away from motorcycles. They don't want to risk a spouse’s disapproval and many lack the confidence or the humility to acquire the education and practice that overcome fear. Interestingly, few members of both the H-D contingency and the group of journalists were parents.

While women might be better able to communicate the riding experience or sell motorcycling to other women, Harley’s attempts to bridge the gender gap still contains a generational slant, reflecting the mindset of the Motor Company's execs over 50. Harley's 2006 V-Rod commercials aimed at women still rely on the self-deprecating presumption that they must refute a stereotype; it's still a surprise that a girl rides. It may be noted that nearly all H-D’s junket support staffers were under thirty, a demographic on which sexist jokes fall flat and corny. It may also be noted that such jokes fell rather flat on the gathered motojournalists. A very wise lady in her seventies who had been riding for fifty years taught me the best way to overcome a stereotype is to ignore it.

H-D has used the most modern and efficient marketing medium at its disposal—the internet—to deliver more anachronistic stereotypes to those potential customers most likely to be more open-minded. In early 2006 was awkwardly sectioned: new rider sales and education encourage speed, customizing, and the ease of getting a license. “Women riders” were in a separate section, in a very different tone, and still assumed that they must be new to motorcycling.

From over 6,500 items in the Parts & Accessories Catalog, anyone can find the saddle, handlebars, controls, and pegs for a perfect fit. Harley dealers are trained to recognize that women are more contemplative consumers, but do women really want to think about customization as soon as they buy a bike? Female logic holds that the more an item costs, the more perfectly user-ready it should be. Spending another few thousand dollars to permit proper fit (and not receive any sort of financial credit for removed parts that you’ll never use) seriously detracts from any definition of value.

The Custom Vehicle Operation has been one of Harley’s efforts at further splintering the market. There’s a fine line to ride with limited edition models; exclusivity is sexy, but planned obsolescence is not a virtue, it only further reduces the customer pool. Ironically, the concept of a garage queen has become so ubiquitous that Harley finds nothing counterintuitive about saying, “With the right balance of chrome, leather and paint, you can enjoy a touring bike without moving an inch.” If it’s only a toy, not practical transportation, or even that magic carpet to adventure on the open road, you’ve neutered a workhorse into a show pony.

The go-faster bad-boy mentality perverts some of the Motor Company's most creative designs, like the Buell Ulysses XB12X ‘Adventure sport bike.’ For all its power and strength, there’s no intuitive pattern to the controls, and far too much deviation from the familiar, beginning with yellow on the run switch. Even at a crawl, two fingers on the six-piston front brake caused the front suspension to dive hard. The single-piston rear brake barely offers enough resistance at 25mph to slow the bike. Maybe that’s cool on the racetrack, but it’s deadly even for trained and experienced long-legged folks (like me) in the street, where pavement texture and composition are so inconsistent. I’d hate to test those brakes on a greasy toll plaza in the rain, and slide across a few painted lines or tar snakes. But hey, if they’re happy selling a whopping 10,000 Buells a year, they can keep on chasing—and narrowing—that ever-fickle niche.

Family Values

H-D, like most manufacturers, continues its mission to sell recreation and dreams to a niche market. The ripples expanding through the custom bike industry—which certainly has the attention of the masses—are a distortion of even Harley’s finest attributes, which include some really great motorcycles. Ninety-eight percent of American road users—half of whom are women—continue to be turned off by the exaggerated danger and rude behavior demonstrated by a minority who build and ride the loudest, most expensive motorcycles. It splashes mud back on the entire industry and all their quiet, stock exhaust pipes.

Motorcycles, like all vehicles, are not gender-specific. It’s a form of transportation, too, not just a sport or a lifestyle. So while the industry has ridden on the image of macho rebellion for generations, one might wonder what the open road might look like if manufacturers like Harley were to focus on the practical values (even your mother could love) inherent in motorcycles like fuel economy, traffic avoidance and easy parking. American women could be persuaded by the notion that it’s not just fun, it’s fifty miles to the gallon. Eventually, a line of bikes outside your neighborhood PTA meeting could look normal.

*The Motorcycle Industry Council

*The Motorcycle Industry Council and the American Motorcyclists Association have been reporting this same ten percent figure for more than fifteen years. Nationally, in the same period, street motorcycle registrations have risen 35%, so it is true that more women are riding.

**Business Week magazine – September 20, 2004

Continued From Page 4

W8LESS PRODUCTS ANNOUNCES COMPOSITE SPORTS BIKE ROTORS THAT EXCEED D.O.T. STANDARDS–Rotors Improve Handling, Acceleration and Reduce Stopping Distance More than 50%

Tacoma, Wash.?July, 2008W8less Products, a manufacturer of composite rotors and brake pads for the motorcycle industry, today announced that its latest full floating brake rotors for sports bikes have exceeded all Department of Transportation?s (D.O.T.) testing criteria. W8less Products is now shipping the sports bike rotors to riders worldwide and beginning conversations with motorcycle manufacturers to have the full floating rotors considered as original equipment.

?Exceeding D.O.T. compliancy allows us to ship the product to sports bike customers worldwide, said Raymond Wheeler, director of sales and marketing. ?In addition, many manufactures can now offer the W8lessrotors on their motorcycles as original equipment drastically improving the braking and handling of their bikes.?

Though there is no requirement to have D.O.T. testing on aftermarket products, W8less Products tests all of its rotors to ensure they are safe both on and off the road. Now dealers and consumers can rest assured that these products will be a perfect fit for their motorcycles.

All D.O.T. standards must be passed before a new production vehicle can be certified as road worthy. Now that W8less Products sports bike rotors have exceeded the D.O.T. standards, they will be able to continue conversations with high profiled motorcycle manufactures and be considered for inclusion on production vehicle lines as original equipment.

The W8less Products rotors, are made of a patent-pending composite material, is upwards of 60% lighter than a cast iron or stainless rotor. The reduction of weight allows for increased acceleration, better handling at high speeds and a drastically reduced breaking distance. Testing has shown that W8less Products rotors stop in less than half the distance of D.O.T. standards with only moderate brake line pressure. These rotors also shed heat quickly, run much cooler and showed no evidence of fading despite numerous high speed stops.

In addition to the added safety, the W8lessrotor will not rust, warp or squeal unlike other rotors on the market. When used with the proprietary brake pads, riders will also see a noticeable increase in the life of their brake pads, providing an immediate return on the riders? investment.

All of W8lessrotors rotors and brake pads are made in the US and are available with a polished full-floating carrier or anodized for a more custom look.

For more information on W8lessrotors cutting edge products, contact them at www.w8lessrotors.com or call them at 831-594-7783

RUBBER SIDE DOWN WITH PHOTOS FROM MICHAEL LICHTER–The Biker Anthology “Rubber Side Down” I Have been featured in is now on sale, It’s got biker poetry from some of the best, Peddlar, Colorado Sky, Sorez The Scribe , Blaze Elliott and myself just to name a few. I am very proud of this publication, as a poetry anthology themed on motorcycles has never been done. In that sense, this book makes literary history.

Four essays are also in the book, along with photograph sections (by famed biker photographer Michael Lichter) RUBBER SIDE DOWN includes, other than the usual biker poet suspects, poems by Allen Ginsberg, Diane Wakoski and Thom Gunn.

The books cover price is $16 but if you advance order through me this week I will let you have one for $15 I need to know how many to order by Friday so hit me up By then or the book goes back up to $16 and you have to wait until August.

–Joshua Griffith
panheadjosh74@hotmail.com>

NEW CUSTOM FROM THE SHOP IN MINNEAPOLIS–Finally I have finished my new shovelhead. I however, was unable to make it to La Crosse, WI for the show down there at S&S’s 50th anniversary. I broke down on the way.

Guess I gotta wait until Sturgis.

–Jon Fox
Fabricator
The Shop
815 Cedar Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-333-0223
www.theshopmpls.com

S&S 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION REPORT–LA CROSSE, WI (July 3, 2008) S&S Cycle, a 50 year-old American v-twin performance company ( www.sscycle.com ), enjoyed an incredibly successful 50th Anniversary Celebration from June 27-29, 2008. The city of La Crosse played host to approximately 30,000 visitors as riders came in from across the country and around the world to commemorate the occasion.

S&S started out with one goal in mind, the vision of founder George Smith?to make all motorcycles go faster. With that mantra in mind the second and third generations of Smith family have steered the company as the leader in high-performance v-twin components and engines. A strong dealer and distributor network have helped S&S continue to grow and in turn, gave S&S reason to expand in services offered.

The anniversary weekend was planned well over a year ago. S&S president, Brett Smith, asked world-class builders to use 50 limited production anniversary engines to build 50 unique custom bikes and compete for $50,000 in S&S product credit. A rigorous week was spent going over lists of potential builders to finally narrow the hundreds and hundreds down to just 50.

?The idea for this event was to do something very unique, bigger, and more global than anything we?d ever done before. Typically, we work with 5 builders each year, but during our 50th, it made sense to expand to 50 builders?which we did.? Smith went on to say, ?What made the whole 50th Anniversary Celebration so sensational and successful was the support of the builders, the employee volunteers, family and friend volunteers, and the entire community backing the project.? Smith finished by saying, ?Not only was it a success for S&S because of all that support, the entire community benefited, and several local charities including the Oktoberfest Committee, Boys & Girls Club, Children?s Museum, and Riverfront, Inc. were the beneficiaries of over $100,000 in combined charitable fund raising.?

Working closely with the city of La Crosse, S&S staff explained the plan and gained support from the mayor?s office on down. The entire community rallied around the idea of a huge party in La Crosse. From offering motorcycle only parking throughout the majority of the downtown area to closing off 3rd Street to motorcycle traffic only at night, riders would be made very welcome.

Finding a place to accommodate thousands and thousands of riders, display 50 motorcycles and set up an area for vendors to display in a small city like La Crosse could have been difficult. However, centrally located downtown is a huge festival area known as the Oktoberfest grounds. It offered S&S the place to do it all and accommodate the expected crowds.

?All I can say is Wow! The credit for pulling off this event goes to my son Brett and the employees at S&S Cycle?, said George Smith second generation family member and Chairman of the Board. ?Howard Kelly did a masterful job of organizing and coordinating a complicated schedule involving the who’s who of the v-twin motorcycle custom bike builders and aftermarket industry. My thanks to the Village of Viola and the Coulee Region city planners and businesses that worked closely with S&S to make this celebration an overwhelming success. For me, it was a heart-warming and humbling experience to see so many visitors show their appreciation for S&S’s contribution to the motorcycle sport over the last 50 years. I’ll forever be grateful I was blessed with the opportunity to be a part of such a fun and exciting business.?

As the week prior to the event unfolded, bikes began shipping in from around the country and world. The streets of La Crosse started seeing increased motorcycle traffic and on Friday June 27th, the bikes were unveiled to a huge crowd, as many of the 50 were fired up to the spectator?s delight. The noise was deafening, but the excitement of firing the bikes up for the crowd kept S&S 50th Anniversary engines running for almost five minutes as the builders announced their presence through their pipes. Another surprise came about during the unveiling when Ron Hutchinson of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles presented S&S Chairman George B Smith and president Brett Smith with a plaque commemorating the 50th Anniversary of S&S.

Ken Smith, second generation Smith family member said, ?When I came to work with my mother and father at S&S in 1971 I never dreamed that someday I would witness the company?s 50th anniversary. I was overwhelmed by the support of the builders and riders of the motorcycle community, the media and the general public who came to La Crosse from all over to help the Smith Family celebrate the event. I had the chance to remember and revisit many fond memories that I hadn?t thought of for a long time. It was a great tribute to my parents, the founders of S&S, and all of the employees who helped build the company. Everyone should be proud of their accomplishments. I know I am.?

The weekend began to heat up quickly with excitement and warm temperatures when a torrential Wisconsin downpour began?creating a flood at the far end of the festival grounds and out into the streets. But, like weather in the Midwest, an hour later it was gone and the waters receded and the crowd was back to packing the festival grounds quickly. Undaunted by weather some 10,000 people visited the event Friday.

Total attendance through the whole three days exceeded 28,000 paid (spectators 12 and under were admitted free) on the festival grounds, however, it is estimated there were a few thousand other guests that never entered the fest grounds. Saturday at the La Crosse Speedway, The Horse magazine and S&S teamed up to present a ride-in chopper show for about 200 bikes with a huge group of spectators. Additionally, La Crosse Harley-Davidson led a ride to J&P cycles to participate in their anniversary party. Local radio station 95.7 The Rock also hosted a ride for well over 600 bikes to get out and see the scenery on the river on both the Wisconsin and Minnesota side.

La Crosse Mayor, Mark Johnsud said, ?Hats off to S&S Cycle for a great 50th anniversary! It provided an opportunity for us to not only showcase S&S Cycle, a premier manufacturer of top quality motors and parts, but also the La Crosse community. The local residents enjoyed seeing the bikes as much as the visitors enjoyed showing them off. It was a great crowd that we would welcome back anytime.?

During the event S&S teamed up with three local charities?Riverfront, Boy?s and Girl?s Club and the Children?s Museum?to sell S&S merchandise. They sold over $56,000 worth and all of the profits realized from those sales will be divided evenly among them. Additionally, The Oktoberfest board of Directors decided to add $26,500 to the pool to be divided among the three?as well as the monies they paid into 12 volunteer groups working the event to raise money for their charities.

Now, onto the most important part of the weekend, the winners of the show!

P-Series
Krugger Motorcycles

SH-Series
Cook Customs

SB-Series
Odyssey Motorcycles

V-Series
Nicolas Chauvin Designs

T-Series
Bennett?s Performance

People?s Choice
Dougz Custom Paint & Fabrication

WHEN BIKERS MEET HUMANS by J.J. SOLARI–Warning * WarningThis book is not recommended for general readers, kids under eighteen, pregnant women, those with weak stomachs, rigid moral codes, or those who value life in all its infinite variety. Also, if you should buy it, read it, and are either deeply offended or unutterably bored, please don?t complain.

Socially Unredeeming Tales of Species in Collision There is much less violence in this book than you might expect from the cover. The illustrations are unique and disgusting. You?ll certainly encounter fewer human casualties than you would watching any action-oriented film or television show.

However, animal lovers be warned, dogs do not fare well here, indeed the title might more appropriately substitute ?canines? for ?humans?. Those of a squeamish or fastidious nature should probably also avoid this book. These stories are awash in body fluids, noxious happenings, blasphemy, casual cruelty, and the sort of language that would cause Larry Flynt to blush.

So if you want something completely different, something really out there, then this is for you.

BIKERNET NEWS FROM LAS VEGAS–THIS MAY COME AS A SURPRISE TO THOSE OF YOU NOT LIVING INLAS VEGAS , BUT THERE ARE MORE CATHOLIC CHURCHES THAN CASINOS.

NOT SURPRISINGLY, SOME WORSHIPERS AT SUNDAY SERVICES WILL GIVE CASINO CHIPS RATHER THAN CASH WHEN THE BASKET IS PASSED. SINCE THEY GET CHIPS FROM MANY DIFFERENT CASINOS, THE CHURCHES HAVE DEVISED A METHOD TO COLLECT THE OFFERINGS..

THE CHURCHES SEND ALL THEIR COLLECTED CHIPS TO A NEARBY FRANCISCAN MONASTERY FOR SORTING AND THEN THE CHIPS ARE TAKEN TO THE CASINOS OF ORIGIN AND CASHED IN.

THIS IS DONE BY THE CHIP MONKS.

–from Rev CarlR

LOW CATS FROM D&D PUT A ROAR IN YOUR SOFTAIL–Just Released – Low Cat Pipes For Softails – Enthusiasts have been writing, calling and emailing for a performance-oriented Fat Cat pipe for their Softails. So we worked on an upswept pipe that delivers the performance of the FAT CAT that we called the Low Cat.

They are ideal for riders that hit the curves hard, have lowered their bikes or have pumped up the performance of their sleds. They show a substantial can out the back and are made in show-quality chrome or midnight black. Because they are designed as an upswept pipe, standard saddlebags may not fit. Fitted for 2000-2008 Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycles(except Rocker).

Get the scoop at D&D Performance Enterprises… where Performance + Economy Meet

COP GET SPECIAL TREATMENT FOR SEX CRIME–Former GBPD officer arrested. A former Gulf Breeze Police officer Duane Leifur, 38 was arrested on Jan. 25 on charges of sexual battery and unlawful compensation. The arrest stemmed from a complaint that Leifur demanded sex from a citizen after a traffic stop in April. Leifur resigned from the force in July.

Police documents said Leifur had sexual contact with the victim over a period of three months last year.

Gulf Breeze Police officials said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement was handling the investigation and declined to comment on the case.

The former Gulf Breeze police officer has been charged with sexual battery after a woman said he forced himself on her dozens of times following a traffic stop in April.

The sexual battery charge is a first-degree felony, with a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. The compensation charge is a second-degree felony with a maximum of 15 years in prison.

According to the arrest warrant, Leifur pulled the woman over in April on suspicion of drunken driving. Rather than administer field-sobriety tests, he took her home in his patrol car. He reminded her that he had previously arrested her husband and asked if she wanted to get arrested.

Leifur gave her his card and insisted she call him. Because she wasn?t sure how much trouble Leifur could cause for her, the warrant said she called him the next day, and he made her feel grateful for not arresting her. He also told her that although he had a girlfriend, he needed more sex.The victim told investigators that during the next few months, she and the officer engaged in sex acts at least 20 times at her home and about 30 times at his home. Then she got tired of him and snitched him off.

FATBOB PROJECT NEEDS KNOCKOUT PIPES– Here is a Shovel that, I think should be sporting those pipes. Shitty pic but I was in a rush for the Thursday news. FATBOB the turquoise tanks are right gas and left oil.

Sorry brother, but Rhys won that set. They were designed for a stretched custom frame and wouldn’t fit your classic.–Bandit

THE NEWS IS TOAST, COMPLETE, FIN–We survived once more. Sturgis is flying at us like a wild animal being allowed to escape to the forest. Our Brouhaha Best of Show Trophies are being made as we speak with the help of Kevin Baas. I’ll start building the Best of Show bases next week. We’re going to build them so a brother can take his apart, load it on his bike and peel out. Our 5-Ball trophies can be used as shift knobs in the future. What could be better?

We’re trying to think of everything. Seth Dalton who organizes the Hollister Rally is helping us with our show and printing hand-out cards for the streets of Sturgis. Peter Orpeza is working on our massive Thunder Road Banners and Jeff and Bob Osias have the T-shirt art ready to rock. I’m hoping to tune and fire the Salt Shaker for the run to Sturgis and Mike Lichter’s Exhibit and I’m hauling my Sturgis Shovel out, so I’ll have something to ride. I need to make the Hamster ride on Thursday or they might pull my t-shirt.

The pressure’s on, but it’s all coming together–I’m rolling the dice. Hope my old truck will make it. Dr. Hamster is riding the Salt Shaker to Sturgis, checking it in with Mike Lichter then riding Nyla’s fresh Bobber, built by Kent Weeks of Lucky Devil Metal Works, around town until we arrive. Somebody needs to break it in. It’s a tough assignment, but the good doctor volunteered.

In the meantime we have a ton of material headed at Bikernet from techs to features and fiction. Have a helluva holiday. Don’t ride drunk and leave one redhead for me.

Ride Forever,

–Bandit

Continued From Page 3

CELEBRATED PHOTOGRAPHER TO SHOOT STURGIS– Celebrated Photographer Edward Burtynsky is planning a major photo shoot during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

When: Tuesday, August 5th 2008; be there at 7 pm.
Where: Main Street, Sturgis, SD

The goal of this photograph is to have thousands of motorcycles and riders lined up and down the entire length of Main Street. This spectacular photo will immortalize the Sturgis rally in all its glory and will be used as the cover of Mr. Burtynsky?s new book.

Come out and be immortalized, then come to the Bikernet Brouhaha on Friday. All best of show winners will be featured on Bikernet.

Rebecca Pinkus
Project Researcher
rebecca.pinkus@gmail.com

Edward Burtynsky, Photographer
www.edwardburtynsky.com

THE BIKERNET BROUHAHA CELEBRITY SHOW JUDGES–Show prizes and awards crested $15,000 for the one day show at Thunder Road on Friday, August 8. All five Best of Show Winners will be featured on Bikernet or Bikernet Metric. Plus our esteemed Bikernet.com Judging line-up consists of:

Bob Osias–President, Metric Thunder, Editor BikernetMetric
Chris Callen–Publisher, Cycle Source Magazine
Robin Hartfiel–V-Twin Dealer News Magazine Editor
Bandit–Bikernet.com janitor
Tom Monroe–President of Saddleman Seats

Bikernet Brouhaha Sponsors:?

Roadhouse Exhaust?
Bikers Choice ?
Saddlemen Seats ?
Headwinds headlights ?
Parts Unlimited ?
Custom Chrome ?
Dupont – Hot Hughes ?
Spectro Oils ?
Torian Chopper Leathers?
D&D Performance Enterprises ?
Metric Thunder ?
Biker Pros?
HardKhrome?
Road Burner

DOUG REPORTS ON S&S BIKE SHOW–I?ve had a lot of emails asking how things turned out. I?m sorry I haven?t gotten back to you sooner, but it?s been quite a whirlwind here in La Crosse the past several days. S&S Cycle put on an awesome event with some of the best custom bikes ever put together under one tent.First, thanks to everyone who supported us! We appreciate all the great local publicity and the votes we received from our friends here and around North America. I know Doug Wozney (www.dougz.com , the world class bike builder who provided the hard work and talent needed to build our motorcycle) was blown away by the response to his work.

There were two separate parts to the competition:
1. The on-line voting and on-site voting were used to determine the winner of the ?People?s Choice Award?.
2. The 50 builders and the industry press were asked to judge each bike to determine the winner of each class plus the overall show winners.

There were over 25,000 votes cast on site by the general public (I haven?t heard how much internet voting took place). And when the votes were in, our bike won the People?s Choice Award! Doug and I were again blown away by this and are very grateful and humbled by this honor. Not only will this bring a lot of industry recognition to Doug (which is well deserved), but it also get?s him a refund on the cost of our engine!

As many of you know, the competition was divided into six classes. The classes were by the type of engine used in the build. We chose to build our custom around S&S Cycle?s new X-Wedge engine ? so we were in the ?X-Wedge Class?. This was a very competitive class (probably the most competitive, but I?m biased) which included 11 world renowned competitors including Paul Sr. from Orange County Choppers, Roger Bourget, Kevin Alsop, Kiwi Mike and Brian Klock. The winner of our division was Fred Kodlin of Germany (I?ve attached a picture of Fred?s bike). However, we were again honored to finish just behind Fred in second place in this very tough division.

The overall winner, as chosen by the industry experts, was Keiji-Kawakta of Hot Dock Customs out of Japan He had a great looking bike with a ton of custom machining. Congrats to Keiji! He?s using the $50,000 to travel with his wife (at least that?s what he told us all when she was standing next to him?).

Thanks again for all of your support. With our People?s Choice win and high showing in the overall competition, it looks like our bike will now be on its way to the AMD World Championship in Sturgis. In the mean time, I?ll be riding it around La Crosse?

If you want to get a hold of Doug I?ve copied him on this email above (his website is www.dougz.com ). He?s now taking orders for his next custom bike! (He also does a great job painting and customizing stock motorcycles and cars.)

–Mark
DOUGZ Custom Paint & Fabrication LLC
2323 Palace St. La Crosse, Wi. 54603
(608) 783-3684
doug@dougz.com / www.dougz.com

Brass Balls Bobbers & Choppers Ropes In Hawg Halters Inc.– Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear where you could experience a fiery Bobber at the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty ?Hi-Yo Brass Balls Bobbers!? From out of the West comes Darwin Motorcycles, the creator of Brass Balls Bobbers & Choppers. It?s a company that produces high-caliber Diggers, Classic Bobbers and Choppers that are unique, stand out in a crowd and now come standard with premium crowd-pleasing Hawg Halters Inc. controls.

You don?t have to lament about not having a classic bobber from the 50?s, Brass Balls Bobbers has that classic look with 21st century technology. Throughout 2008 Brass Balls Bobbers is upgrading the quality and technology that is infused in the DYNA of the motorbike.

?We select only the best materials, aircraft grade 6061 billet aluminum custom drawn to our specifications, stainless steel alloys best suited for the application, all to produce the best performing products available,? said Mark Thompson, President of Hawg Halters Inc. ?In addition, our clean and sano design is an ideal look for Brass Balls Bobbers.?

Every bobber is rolled out of a 10,000 sq.-ft. multi-purpose manufacturing facility in Oklahoma City. Each custom-production motorcycle is equipped with Hawg Halter controls, Metzeler tires, and one of four engines including the Harley-Davidson? EVO, S&S 96″, S&S 113″ EVO-style motors or the re-engineered Indian-style Crazy Horse V-Plus 100.

?We are excited that Hawg Halters is joining our team of craftsmen at Brass Balls Bobbers and Choppers,? says Dar Holdsworth, Darwin Motorcycles President and Master Designer. ?We are excited about their product and early feedback indicates that our customers are too.?

PERFORMANCE MACHINE PRESENTS THE 17TH ANNUAL LA CALENDAR SHOW– The 17th annual Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend presented by Performance Machine, America’s premier custom, cruiser, performance and sportbike weekend returns to the Queen Mary Event Park in Long Beach on July 12-13th, 2008.

Join 20,000 streetbike motorcycle and music enthusiasts for the world’s most exciting 2-day motorcycle event weekend in the beautiful Queen Mary Event Park on the grass alongside the Pacific Ocean in Long Beach! This is the world’s premier motorcycle show weekend featuring major motorcycle and parts manufacturers, selected product and apparel venders.

ONLY 17 DAYS BEFORE ASMI’S HEART OF WISCONSIN TOUR– to benefit Accident Scene Management hosted by the Women In Motion Roadguards (25 talented female roadguards).

This unique two day escorted ride will start in Wisconsin Dells area this year on Friday, July 18th. We’ll travel to Bala’s HD for Breakfast then continue on a scenic tour along the Wisconsin River to Wausau H-D for lunch. Participants will return to the Dells area for an evening dinner & party at an adult only motorcycle friendly resort hosted by Edge of the Dells & Bala’s H-D. Check out the burn out pit, beautiful pools, decks & music!

Saturday, July 19th we will head to S&S (Super Stock) in Viola for lunch via Wildcat Mountain with a stop in Hillsboro for refreshments hosted by County Market. We will continue our scenic ride to Madison, WI where Reverend Jim’s Roadhouse and the CC Riders will host a dinner & party with music by Country Storm!

Sunday morning a full breakfast will be provided at the Wingate Hotel and the now famous “Topless Bike Wash” will take place at the hotel where the guys wash the girls bikes topless!

It’s not too late to register. Hotel room blocks will be released soon so don’t delay – call TODAY! 100% of your registration fee is tax deductible. Registrations received today will still receive a free shirt. Register online at www.accidentscene.org/events

Another event happening at the same time to benefit ASMI is in Colorado and is hosted by the American Biker Knights. Their annual Ride to the Sky Poker Run will benefit ASMI this year.

Consider attending an event that actually helps bikers!!!! ASMI’s goal is to reduce injuries and fatalities to bikers through First Response Training specific to Motorcycle Trauma. Can’t make the event but want to help? See how at www.accidentscene.org/help
Director Accident Scene Management, Inc.President of SOS & Conspicuity Inc.
www.accidentscene.org
info@accidentscene.org
(877) 411-8551 – toll free
(262) 521-2880 – local

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THE PETER LINNEY REPORT–Here’s something different for you. All dusty, barn fresh ’39, 27 gal tanks, roll up windshield, lots of fun stuff. A very good speed photo..

–Peter

BANDIT NAMED AFTER A DOG–Thought you would get a kick out of this. Our dog “Bandit” at the kids pet show at school. My 8 yr old daughter dressed him up….

NEW D&D DEALERS READY TO HELP WITH YOUR EXHAUST NEEDS–Here are the new dealers who signed up last week. D&D wants you to be able to find the service you need near you. Check ’em out and check their web site for a complete list of dealers nationwide.

1) Action Moto X Inc 27968 Beale Ct Valencia, CA 91355 661-257-9944
2) Moto Extreme Kawasaki 29935 SH 249 Tomball, TX 77375 281-351-2220
3) BMW Motorcycles of San Francisco 790 Bryant St. San Francisco, CA 94107 415-503-9988
4) FDR Honda Kawasaki 1034 Broadway Paducah, KY 42001 270-442-1655
5) Apol’s H-D 1515 42nd Ave W. Alexandria, MN 56308 320-763-9800
6) Kotic Kustoms 6479 Bells Ferry Rd Woodstock, GA 30188 770-529-7267
7) Steelhorse Motorcycle Co. 1433 Fulton Ave Grand Haven, MI 49417 616-850-8660
8) Nees H-D 131 S Soangetaha Rd Galesbury, IL 61401 309-342-3910
9) Scooter Shak 2014 Memorial Hwy Mandan,ND 58554 701-667-2033
10) Oasis Cycles Inc 110 Oasis Dr Brandon, MS 39042 601-824-4893

–Jennifer

THE VIKING SENDS A FEATURE FROM GERMANY–Attached is the story about Al from Germany.Because of its patriotic intro very nice for the 4th of July…!

Ah, wait. Maybe you’ll like to announce my new website in your news, a non-commercial one. If you like, you may show the banner I attached as well.

A few weeks ago I gave webspace to all the fans that asked me during watching me work:”where can the pictures be seen?” My own agency-site “Wikinger.com” was to small and not the best platform for content like that at all. So we launched a site, on which you may see frequently updated material from our interesting latest gigs. Cars, bikes, tech and dressed babes. Events and meetings and all the stuff we like.

You’re invited to visit us at www.pixel-garage.com . Cheers, Viking (still www.wikinger.com, too!)

— Andreas Kirsch
THE VIKING
Germany

BIKERNET WEEKLY PRODUCT RELEASE FROM RIVERA PRIMO / 8-9-07–STAINLESS STEEL MECHANICAL ADVANCE MECHANISM–Older Harleys require a mechanical advance timing unit for their points-style ignition systems.Some electronic triggering devices also use a mechanical advance set-up.

Rivera Primo?s competition mechanical advance assembly is the finest one available today. It?ssmoother, more accurate & more reliable than any OEM unit & offers features not available onother advance mechanisms such as:?

Stainless steel shaft & plate?
Advance weights are heat treated, then coated with high tech, low friction polymers?
Hardened steel pins hold the weights in place?
Weights are spring-loaded, using the highest quality phosphate-coated spring wire?
Stainless washers under the spring attachment points allow the weights to move freely & prevent premature wear?
Springs are wound to exacting specs & then cad-plated to resist corrosion

1104-0001 Complete High Performance Advance Unit Kit $ 67.24

For these & other fine products contact:Rivera Primo
12450 Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 90602
Tel: 800-872-1515
Tel: 562-907-2600 Fax: 562-907-2606
www.riveraprimoinc.com

I just want to add that I attended Mel Magnet’s funeral Tuesday. He was 82, and the boss of Rivera/Primo and an icon in this industry. There was a lot of respect for him demonstrated by the crowd.–Bandit

Mad Wife Disease—A guy was sitting quietly reading his paper when his wife walked up behind him and whacked him on the head with a magazine.

“What was that for?” he asked.
“That was for the piece of paper in your pants pocket with the name Laura Lou written on it,” she replied.
“Two weeks ago when I went to the races, Laura Lou was the name of one of the horses I bet on,” he explained.
“Oh honey, I’m sorry,” she said. “I should have known there was a good explanation.”

Three days later he was watching a ball game on TV when she walked up and hit him in the head again, this time with the iron skillet, which knocked him out cold.

When he came to, he asked, “What the hell was that for?”

She replied…….”Your horse called.”

–From Rik

ADVANSTAR CELEBRATES JULY–As we celebrate our independence this July 2008, the IMS Team salutes the US Military for serving and protecting our great Country. We ride for the freedom of the open road, and salute all those who have fought for that freedom.

Pictured: The National Guard’s Patriot Chopper by Orange County Choppers, unveiled at the Chicago 2008 IMS Show.Moto GP Fans – Take a Break with the International Motorcycle Shows! Free Drinks, Prizes and More…

Attention you MotoGP fans heading north to Monterey! We?re introducing the IMS MotoGP Pit Stop ? fuel for you and (maybe) free fuel for your bike!

Complete 2009 IMS Tour Schedule!In case you haven’t heard the news – the complete 2009 Tour schedule has been released for the 28th Annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Show presented by Toyota. The 13-city Tour kicks off on October 31, 2008 in Phoenix, AZ and makes its way across the country in four months! New 2009 stops include Dallas, TX and Greenville, SC. For the complete schedule visit www.motorcycleshows.com to find a stop near you! Stay tuned, we’re working hard to put new and exciting plans into action for the 2009 Tour!

Display Your Independence This July!

Now available, July 2008’s Desktop Wallpaper capturing the freedom and American spirit of powersports. Riders truly know the freedom of the open road. Bring that excitement to your desktop with July’s features. As a newsletter subscriber, you get the month’s releases first! DOWNLOAD HERE

Ride at Indy in the Lap of Champions

Want to be a hero to kids with brain tumors while making motorcycle history? Register now to take a parade lap around the brand-new GP track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008! For complete details and to register, visit Ride for Kids.AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Sponsored by the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows, July 25-27, 2008 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course – Lexington, OhioEvery year the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is the biggest celebration of vintage motorcycles in North America.

Events at this weekend festival include the largest motorcycle swap meet you?ll find in the United States, vintage racing, new-bike demo rides, auctions and bike shows. There’s something at VMD for anyone who loves motorcycles.

MotoGP Fans – Experience the Thrill Suzi Perry’s Greatest MotoGP Moments: Official MotoGP production, TV presenter Suzi Perry brings you the most exhilarating moments of MotoGP World Championship action from the past three seasons.

AUSTRALIAN FRAME COMING TO AMERICA–I got you name through an American guy, that bought a bike that we assembled and built here in Australia. He said I should contact you directly as he was very impressed by the frames we build. They are built to Australian engineering standards with high quality seamless tubing MIG welded, and powder-coated in house. They can hold up to 145 cubic inch engines.

We are a family established business since 1965, with a factory and warehouse of 12000 sqm. We manufacture anything from steel/tube/wire. We are looking at selling into the USA, with some of your help. I have attatched some photos of some bikes that have been in Australian Magazines.If you could be of any help this is greatly appreciated.

–Mark Pirone
Sales
American Wrought Iron
24-32 Humphries Terrace Kilkenny
South Australia 5009
Ph:0884458619
Fax:0884451449
Email:mark@a-w-i.com.au

KRUGGER REPORTS FROM FRANCE– Voici le r?sultat du week-end lors du 50 me anniversaire S&S !! / Here is the result of my S&S 50 th anniversary trip this week-end !!

Merci ? vous pour votre soutien / thanks again for your support

–Fred “Krugger”
www.krugger.net

MILLION MILE MONDAY TRIPLES MILEAGE GOAL–H.O.G Members Log More than Three Million Miles in 24 Hours.

MILWAUKEE ? (July 2, 2008) On Monday, June 30, 2008, Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) members around the world shattered the goal set for the club?s inaugural Million Mile Monday, logging more than three million total riding miles in a 24-hour period.

?It blows me away. What started out as a simple, fun idea turned into something very special. Our members really gave it legs–make that miles. What a blessing to be enjoying this beautiful country on American iron right before the 4th of July. Now that’s freedom. Can’t wait till next year!? said Benny Suggs, Senior Director of H.O.G. Operations.

To put the accumulated mileage into perspective, the 3,000,960 miles ridden by the more than 18,000 H.O.G. members who participated on June 30 equates to the equivalent of about 120 trips around the equator. Here are some other fun facts about the mileage record set during Million Mile Monday:

– Riding 3,000,960 miles on an average motorcycle vs. driving a standard passenger car saves nearly 74,673 gallons of gas (or 3,829 barrels of crude oil).

– Even at a fraction under seven seconds for a quarter-mile, it would take three-time NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Champion Andrew Hines 23,341 hours to ride 3,000,960 miles on his Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson drag bike, one-quarter mile at a time. That?s 12,003,840 trips (from a standing stop each time) down the strip!

– A three-toed sloth, the world?s slowest land mammal (topping out at about 0.1 mph on the ground), would travel 3,000,960 miles in a shade under 3,435 years!

– The world?s fastest jet-powered airplane, the Lockheed SR-71, could fly 1,000,000 miles in 1,433 hours at its top speed of Mach 3.2 (2,094 mph).

Million Mile Monday is an annual event on the last Monday of June and is open to all H.O.G. members– riders or passengers. The feat was recorded by logging into the club?s exclusive members-only website (members.hog.com), where participants registered their miles ridden on that day. For more information about H.O.G., log onto www.hog.com.

THE LATEST INDIAN MOTORCYCLE EFFORT REPORT ON BIKERNET REVIEW–Great feature, very comprehensive. I’m sure you’ll have “responses.”

I saw the news spot on the Bob Gill Jet Bike. I had just sent that to you as a FYI and can do a full story.In any case, at least for the moment can you add these links in case people want to contact them.They’re in deep need of deep pocket sponsors to get funding to build more of the laser machines to help people around the country. Thanks.

Here’s the contact list: Let me know if you’d like a full feature.

Naturally the whole effort is made possible by sponsors who want to support the effort and in the bargain have their name/logo seen on the Gill-a-Monster jet bike when it roars into action around the country. Stay tuned for latest developments.

More info at www.bobgillfoundation
or call 714-803-2414 www.helptravis.org or call 310-670-2557
www.deadlineTV.com
www.epindustries.com or call 310-643-8515

REQUEST FOR JON TOWLE MOTORCYCLE REVIEW–Can you give a review on the Fatboy? I ride the low rider. I would like to trade up to the Fatboy or maybe the Electra glide.

Thanks Z
–Mark Zaboynik
mzaboynik@comcast.net>

We’re about to launch Jon’s review of a Dyna Glide tomorrow, next is a Softail Deluxe and he’s impressed with it.–Wrench

THREAD CHASER TAP SET–This imported thread chaser set is a inexpensive way to to clean up threadson frames or other parts that have been powdercoated or painted.

Threadsizes are course, 1/4? -20, 5/16? -18, 3/8? -16, 7/16? -14, 1/2? -13, and9/16? -12. Chasers are zinc plated and made from 1027 steel.

Note: Not forcutting new threads.

No.933 – Thread chaser set tap set.

Suggested retail Price $55.75

BIKERNET PORTAGEE HUMOR– Souza applied for an engineering position at the County of Hawaii. Smith applied for the same job and both applicants having the same qualifications were asked to take a test. Upon completion of the test, both men only missed one of the questions.

The manager went to Souza and said: ‘Thank you for your interest, but we’ve decided to give Smith the job.’

Souza asked: ‘And why are you giving him the job? We both got nine questions correct. This being Hilo and me being a Portuguese, I should get the job!’

The manager said: ‘We have made our decision not on the correct answers, but rather on the one question that you both missed.’ Souza then asked: ‘And just how would one incorrect answer be better than the other?’

The manager replied: ‘Souza, it’s like this. On question #4 Smith put down; ‘I don’t know’.

You put down: ‘Neither do I’.

–from Chris T.

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FORGE-TEC INTRODUCES THE TORQUE WHEEL INTO THEIR FHO LINE-UP– Oxnard, CA- Forge-Tec Motorcycle, an industry-leading manufacturer of high-end forged aluminum wheels and blanks supplier to many of the industry?s leading wheel manufacturers is proud to introduce a new and exciting wheel called the Torque into their FHO (For Harleys Only) product line up. This program was designed from the ground up exclusively for Harley-Davidson (circle R) Dealers.

Harley dealers are offered four different uniquely designed 3D wheels available in all popular sizes and applications (?84-?08?including ABS equipped models) and all have matching rotors and pulleys. They can also buy any one of Forge-Tec?s 13 other wheel designs, but these can also be found at other types of bike shops. No FHO wheels will be found at a dealership except for Harley-Davidson stores. This program simply offers the Harley dealer 4 exclusive one-piece billet forged wheel styles, all designed with each one of H-D?s different bike models in mind.

All FHO wheels will be kept in stock at Forge-Tec?s warehouse (only in the most popular sizes) and dealers orders will be shipped in record time?No more waiting 12-16 weeks for a set of wheels! These wheels are available in black powder coated, show polished, luxurious chrome and new for ?08, all styles (except the Legacy and the Nomad) will be available in our Midnight Series?black anodized finish combined with classic machining gives these wheels a totally ?badass? look.

Forge-Tec, known as the wheel innovators that made the first 3D blanks and finished 3D wheels in the industry, offer a lifetime Structural and Two-Year Chrome Warranty on all of their wheels.

For further information on complete wheels and accessories and FHO?s special dealer pricing, please contact Forge-Tec Motorcycle directly at 888-367-4385. Forge-Tec Motorcycle Wheels and Accessories, 950 Richmond Ave., Oxnard, CA 93030. Dealer inquiries invited! www.forgetecmotorcycle.com

KRAWIEC RIDES V-ROD TO NHRA SEMI-FINALS AT NORWALK–Krawiec is Top Qualifier; Hines Retains Lead in Pro Stock Motorcycle Standings.

NORWALK, OHIO (June 29, 2008) ? Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Eddie Krawiec grabbed his first career number-one qualifying berth and raced a Harley-Davidson V-Rod into the semi-final round of the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle eliminations at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park. Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Andrew Hines qualified second and was eliminated in the second round, but still leads the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle season standings by 81 points. The top qualifying position is a milestone for Krawiec, now in his second season of NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle competition with the Screamin? Eagle/Vance & Hines team. His 7.011-second pass bumped his teammate Hines (7.045) from the top position just before a rain storm put a 90-minute hold on the action on Saturday.

?We?ve been struggling a bit, so (crew chief) Matt Hines and the Screamin? Eagle team threw a lot at that run,? said Krawiec. ?I?m glad the weather cleared and everyone else got to run so it would count. And now I know how hard it is to be the number one, because the last thing you want to do is come out and lose in the first round. I was trying not to think about it too much.?

Krawiec defeated Joe DeSantis and Chris Rivas in the first two rounds and faced Hector Arana on a Buell in the semi-final when a 7.070 run by Arana just nipped the 7.077 pass made by Krawiec. Arana went on to defeat Team Tegue Suzuki rider Craig Treble in the final.

?That was just a good drag race I lost in the semi-final,? said Krawiec. ?I did everything I wanted to do, got a good start in the 30s and made a clean pass, but Arana got by me at the end.?

Hines survived a 0.128-second reaction time at the start in the first round to defeat Paul Gast, but then had a 0.131 start in the second round and lost on hole-shot to Treble, who had a 0.029 start and a run of 7.066 to 7.056 to Hines.

?I just had a bad day of racing,? said Hines. ?I was not comfortable on the bike, and we had some issues during staging in the second round that led to my late start. We?ve been getting a handle on some fuel injections problems, and we ran better than we did last week at Englishtown. But we didn?t lose any ground to the racers right behind us in the points, and Eddie moves up to fifth place, so that?s good news.?

After seven rounds in the 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, Hines has 613 points to lead the Pro Stock Motorcycle class. Chip Ellis is second with 532 points, followed by Matt Smith with 514, and Rivas 459. Krawiec moves from seventh to fifth place with 403 points. NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycles will race next July 11-13 at the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at Bandimere Speedway, Morrison, Colo..

The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team is sponsored by Ford Truck, Dunlop, Matco Tools and S100.

HELLS ANGELS RIDING INTO BAY COUNTY–Group establishing its first Florida chapterCALLAWAY, FL ?? Traditionally conjuring up images of lawless, leather-clad horsemen rumbling their Harley-Davidsons on the fringes of society, the Hells Angels apparently has softened around the edges. A new, local chapter would rather sell you officially licensed merchandise than start any trouble.

Riding for more than half a century on its outlaw image, the infamous Hells Angels motorcycle club has arrived in Florida, and an ad featuring the club’s winged-skull logo has appeared in this newspaper calling for new members.”We just wanted to let people know we’re here; it’s no big deal,” said Paul Stevens, who is organizing the Florida chapter.

Stevens stressed members no longer are the stereotypical bikers terrorizing the paved landscape.”We are a political club; we are not a drug club. We’re not interested in the Hollywood persona,” Stevens said. “The time of the biker being a biker is long gone. We no longer have the drunk, drugged-up, crazy biker. It’s a totally different world.”

Standing in his den Wednesday morning, Stevens talked of how the Gulf Chapter, the Hells Angels’ first sanctioned chapter in the state, will focus on riding their motorcycles, selling T-shirts and raising money for charities. Eventually, he would like to see the chapter grow to cover any state touching the Gulf of Mexico, possibly even stretching over the border and into Mexico.

Bay County was strategically picked as the launching ground for the chapter. The area, with its heavy military influence and relaxed, beach feel, was viewed as a prime locale, Stevens said.

“Panama City, the Bay (County) area, is perfect for what we’re doing here,” Stevens said, adding he eventually would like to see international gatherings of the club here. “We’ve got the Gulf of Mexico out there to go play; we’ve got the new airport. It’s a perfect spot.”Sales

Rather than criminal activity, the new chapter will be making money by selling Hells Angels merchandise. More than a motorcycle club, the Angels also is a corporation with a variety of products emblazoned with the winged-skull.”It’s an engine to create money,” Stevens said of the Hells Angels’ name recognition.

Stevens hopes to open a storefront. Pinned up on his wall is a mosaic of biker-motif artwork. Some of it is destined for T-shirts. A couple of photos showing women up against a wall and wearing the club patch are the beginnings of a wall calendar.

“This is the start of girls wearing my patch, in their underwear, local girls,” he said. His wife also is looking into making Hells Angels swimsuits, he added.

GOOD THURSDAY FELLOW BIKERS AND HAPPY 4TH OF JULY FROM KUSTOM KOLORS– This week has been a busy one around the shop…..Not so much in the sales department, it’s more trying to prepare for our upcoming show season. We kick off this month with the Annual Freedom run, sponsored by the Tri-Counties Blue Star Moms. A great group doing wonderful work for our troops overseas….We wish the troops a happy 4th of July as well.

Anyway, We are trying to figure out what people are going to buy this season. What’s the new “have to have” product/gadget? It’s a constant battle of trial and error! Sometime you hit the nail on the head, other times you bend that nail at a 90 degree angle!

Enough of that!! What I was trying to get at, was we found another product….its a DOT compliant mini helmet made right here in the good ole USA!! This helmet is a fraction of the weight of the regular DOT compliant helmets on the market today! It’s comparable to a novelty helmet, yet meets all DOT requirments for safety! It’s priced very reasonably as well! Prices starting at $69.98!!

The colors are kinda limited, but if you ask us real nice, we might be able to squirt a Kustom Kolors on one of ’em for ya! Of course, it’ll cost you a bit more, and we are going to limit the color change to a single color for now….the helmets are availble in gloss and matte black, metalic silver, and white from the factory.

They should be on the web site soon! So, if you visit www.KustomKolorsInk.com and you cant find ’em, call the shop and get on Pat’s ass to get ’em up and running!!

These helmets weigh about 31oz. They are made of fiberglass and also have a mini visor on the front that helps with the wind. This can be unscrewed if you like.

Size chart for the New Mini DOT Helmets
XS 17-18 inches around the head above the ears
S 18 1/2 – 19 1/2
M 20 – 21
L 21 1/2 – 22 1/2
XL 23 – 24
XXL 24 1/2 – 25 1/2

If your size is not on here, then round up to next size

Ride Safe Brothers and Sisters~
–The Krew
Kustom Kolors Ink.

Reminder THIS WEEKENDHELMET LAW PROTEST SAN DIEGO – JULY 4 2008 MEET ON FIESTA ISLAND AT 10:00AM RIDE TO SAN DIEGO HARLEY FOR 4 TH OF JULY PARTY!! —HOW MANY MORE FREEDOMS ARE YOU WILLING TO LOSE? COME AND SUPPORT YOUR RIGHT TO CHOOSE! EXPRESS YOUR INDEPENDENCE ON INDEPENDENCE DAY ! BE THERE IF YOU CARE ! ALL RIDERS WELCOME

SPREAD THE WORD, TELL YOUR FRIENDS ! FOR INFO CALL STEVE “RED” BARRON (858)270-7771 or email: steve_red_barron@yahoo.com

–from Rogue
Sturgis Freedom Fighters

GIRLS AND BIKES COMING FROM TEXAS– I went ahead and burned the CD with the pictures only and will try and get it in the mail tomorrow, really later today! I guess it will depend on the amount of Shiner Bocks I have, don’t have to get up till 5 pm today and need to work on some other stuff for some of the young ladies from work

I will send the words for the pics attached to an e-mail once I get the info I am waiting on from Bronson. Not to bad a shot considering it was both our first times to do a photo shoot and I had no flash meter. This was just a month or so before I got to do my first magazine shoot for you and Hot Bike back in 2004, and as always thanks for taking that chance on me back then!

–RFR

NEED A PLACE TO STAY IN THE BADLANDS–We have 159 rooms, including 13 suites, all newly remodeled. We have a large mineral pool (so no chlorine and no chlorine smell!) plus hot tub and steam room. All of our first-floor rooms have a door that opens to the parking lot and also a door to the inside hallway. We are totally non-smoking but have five pet-friendly rooms. This would be a great spot to rest and recover after a hot day in Sturgis.

Enjoy the hot tub, a warm shower and room service for a relaxing evening or hit the town (Jake’s Tavern, Attitudes, Mingles) to continue the fun. For reservations, call 800-686-3368.

–Mary Kelley
The Clarion Inn & Convention Center
2009 S. Douglas Highway
Gillette, WY 82718
307-686-3000, Ext. 130
mkelley@wyhcc.com

BROTHERS COMIN’ TO THE BIKERNET BROUHAHA IN STURGIS, FRIDAY THE 8TH AT THUNDER ROAD–I just checked out the schedule for Sturgis. I am looking forward for your show!Sounds like it’s gonna be great! I will bring at least 4 bikes up for show all week. It sure helps my beer money with not have to pay anything to get the bikes in- that’s rad!

I’ll make sure I buy you a beer!

Cheers,
–Svenmeister
Check out our website!
www.SVENMEISTERHARDCOREKUSTOMS.com

JON TOWLE ROAD TESTS REVIEW–I’ve been a lurker around your site for awhile. Gotta tell ya I dig theJon Towle road tests. His art and the Nick the Dick stuff is fantastic,but the road tests are too cool. I laughed my ass off!

Not only werethey funny, they were pretty informative and objective too. I’m gonnacheck out the FLHT.

–bmwrider

BROKEN SPOKE CAMPGROUND RECEIVES LIQUOR LICENSE FROM MEADE COUNTY– Broken Spoke Saloon & Campground receive full liquor license from Meade County.

Sturgis, South Dakota? The legendary Broken Spoke Saloon, the world?s largest biker bar, was granted its full liquor license for the Broken Spoke Campground by Meade County Commissioners late today – just in time for the Sturgis Rally and Races. The Broken Spoke Campground will host a series of free concerts including The Marshall Tucker Band, Pat Travers and The Kentucky Headhunters at their on-site 30,000 square foot Broken Spoke Saloon.

“We appreciate the Meade County commissioners giving us a fair hearing, listening patiently to all the arguments, and deciding in favor of the Broken Spoke Campground and issuing us a liquor license? explained Broken Spoke partner and President of the Target Companies, Joe Murphy. The 600-acre Broken Spoke Campground located in Sturgis, SD off of HWY 79 is quickly becoming the preeminent place to camp and hang out in 2008 and beyond. The Broken Spoke, just a few miles outside of downtown Sturgis is where they will unveil the first and the largest Biker Pool at the August rally. The pool is also set to open just in time for the Sturgis Rally and Races. The new pool will be the home of hot tubs, daily contests and very well equipped poolside bars and decks all staffed by the famous girls of the Broken Spoke. Come for cold drinks, tasty food, chairs and umbrellas- everything you need to spend some serious hang time at the Spoke. This new pool rivals top Vegas pools.

The Broken Spoke Campground offers more than just the hottest pool in South Dakota; the Spoke delivers the most hassle free experience in the state with 500 over-sized, 30 and 50amp RV spots, furnished cabin rentals with A/C and $99 tent camping sites? all with access to the permanent bath and shower buildings, staffed to ensure cleanliness and comfort. Also featured on the Spoke grounds will be the Limp Nickie Lot featuring the Nash Brothers and their crew of the bike builders, the Michael Lichter Ride, Cycle Source Ride and helicopter and hot air balloon rides to give you a view of Sturgis like never before. All of which ultimately delivers the best party in Sturgis.

The campground is taking reservations now and will operate from July 29 ? August 10, 2008. Special early reservation rates (only $99 per person) have been extended. Book now at www.brokenspokecampground.com or call us at (866) 754-2526

Vendor space at the Broken Spoke Campground is sought after but some great spots still available. Please contact John Perry for more details at: 800-832-4242 Ext 380 or email at: vendors@brokenspokecampground.com

The original Broken Spoke Saloon has a permanent bar and restaurant in downtown Sturgis, SD and additional locations nationally in Daytona, FL, Myrtle Beach, SC and Laconia, NH.

For more information on either company, please visit their websites at: www.brokenspokecampground.com www.thetargetcompanies.com

Continued On Page 3

Goddamnit,

It’s one of those days. We had a power-outage this morning to kick off the news. I finally was pushed beyond my limited limits.

Me and my cell mate Welder Chris tried to dig out of the Bikernet Prison compound, only to be busted by the Cantina Broads and chained to my desk once more. We need to escape before Sturgis. Let’s hit the news, so we can hatch a plan:

ANOTHER BIKERNET BONNEVILLE BOOK READER–Hey Bandit, hope you are well. I just received a signed copy of your Salt Flats Motorcycle book. It’s a good read and I enjoyed it very much. I had wanted a signed copy and it magically appeared in my mailbox. I now have TWO copies because I had previously ordered one from Wolfgang. I’m going to keep them both and give the unsigned copy to a buddy. Give Sin-Wu a kiss for me (you know where).

–pete (fromflorida)

NEW H-D MUSEUM REVIEW–The new H-D Museum is incredible…so is the BFMC tribute bike that they put in there for us…and they treated us like gold…a fun week. I’m doing a couple of articles on it…maybe we could put one up on the site.

Hey, one other thing…I received the copies of your book that I ordered…I really want to get them up on my eBay store but I need you to sign them first!!!!

Bill “Press” Hayes
National Press & Publicity Officer
Boozefighters Motorcycle Club
Est. 1946
“The Original Wild Ones”
http://stores.ebay.com/Biker-Music-and-DVDs

Conquest Motorcycle Tour Raises Funds & Hopes for Spinal Cord Injuries —Imagine the wind against your face as you glide down the road on a high performance motorcycle – an open view of the countryside around you, you feel free and in complete control of a machine that can take you almost anywhere?

For many ? a motorcycle tour of New Zealand has always been a dream. But for wheelchair users, such a dream has never been able to become a reality until now. Finally the chance to regain one?s freedom from dependence upon others with the arrival of an exciting new open-air vehicle has arrived.

The Martin Conquest R1200R is a motorbike designed for wheelchair users. The world’s first series-manufactured high performance motorcycle that can be driven from a wheelchair, it promises to provide an unprecedented level of independence previously unattainable for individual wheelchair users.

With all controls being hand operated, the Conquest is designed for people with disabilities from the waist down. Drivers can roll their wheelchairs onto the vehicle via an automated access ramp. Funding and support for the development of the Conquest included that of Sir Frank Williams, the Principal of the BMW-Williams Formula 1 Team.

Due to leave the UK on 1 July 2008, the Martin Conquest bike will be officially farewelled by CatWalk patron and Kiwi Olympic equestrian hero, Mark Todd. ?It?s truly hard to comprehend what emotions you would go through if you had a spinal cord injury and the disbelief of maybe never walking again. To be a patron of CatWalk and help towards their goal of a cure is really quite special.

After speaking to a number of Paraplegics and Tetraplegics they all seem to say the same thing?it?s not the chair which makes life so challenging, it?s losing your independence. The Martin Conquest enables wheelchair users to experience that sense of freedom again,? says Mark. ?But what I particularly like is how cool it looks?as my wife would say ? it?s better to be looked over than overlooked!?

Having generously donated one Conquest motorcycle to the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust, the CatWalk Conquest Tour – ?Conquering Freedom? will travel the country, giving wheelchair users all around New Zealand the opportunity to ride the bike for a portion of the entire route.

The bike will be shipped care of DHL who are behind the event and CatWalk?s cause ? taking 6 weeks to arrive safely in New Zealand Beginning in Auckland on 29 October 2008 the tour will visit 38 of New Zealand?s main centres, before finishing in Christchurch on 13 November 2008. CatWalk will host the ?Up & Away Charity Dinner? that same night in Christchurch, where the Conquest bike will be auctioned to the highest bidder?

?After a two week tour throughout NZ with support from celebrities, sportspeople and our patrons, someone will go home with this wonderful bike on the 13th of November at the CatWalk Up and Away Charity Dinner and Auction. CatWalk has a strong equestrian base but with this adventure we hope to get motorcyclists involved and we?d love for anyone with their own bike to come and cruise with us throughout NZ on our Conquest Freedom Tour? says Catriona.

For more information please visit:
http://www.catwalk.org.nz
http://www.martinconquest.com
A Few Inches Can Make A Big Difference:

BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES ADDS A NEW DROP SEAT–The 2008 Pitbull?s Award-Winning Design Is Dramatically Enhanced With The New Offerings.

WICHITA, Kansas (July 1, 2008) ? Big Dog Motorcycles?, the leading manufacturer of premium, high style, high performance motorcycles, has expanded its line of proprietary accessories with a new Drop Solo Seat and Drag Bars for its 2008 Pitbull?.

The new Drop Solo Seat lowers the seat height of the motorcycle 2?? to just 23?, while the Drag Bars extend the rider?s reach a substantial 4??. The result is a fresh, new riding position and curbside appeal on an already award-winning motorcycle.

Robb Report magazine named the 2008 Pitbull the ?Best of the Best? motorcycle cruiser in June, four months after Paisano Publications called it the V-Twin Bike of the Year. Paisano Publications is known worldwide as a diversified media company offering a wide variety of motorcycle magazines, including Easyriders and V-Twin.

?You already have a winning motorcycle with the 2008 Pitbull,? commented Paul Hansen, Marketing Director, Big Dog Motorcycles. ?But with these new accessories, you can make the look more radical, the riding position more aggressive, and the feel of the motorcycle completely different.?

Available now and installed quickly at any authorized Big Dog Motorcycles dealer, the new proprietary accessories are factory-engineered, ensuring compatibility in function, fit, and finish, and strict adherence to company design standards.

The Drop Solo Seat (MSRP $275) is entirely hand-made using premium foam, fine grain leather, and other high quality materials to ensure outstanding comfort and value. The chrome Drag Bars (MSRP $699.95) are 1?? in diameter, rubber-mounted, and are set so the rider has a noticeable, drag-style, forward body lean.

?While the two new Pitbull accessories can be used independently, when used together, the rider makes a bold statement cruising the boulevards or pulling up at the local bike nights,? Hansen added.

Riders can customize their 2008 Pitbull even more with other BDM Performance Products, including passenger seats and pegs, sissy bars, touring bags, windscreens, numerous decorative items, and more.

View the complete line of Big Dog Motorcycles? accessories at an authorized dealer or at www.bigdogmotorcycles.com.

HOW TO SAVE THE AIRLINES–Dump the male flight attendants. No one wanted them in the first place.

Replace all the female flight attendants with good-looking strippers! What the hell — They don’t even serve food anymore, so what’s the loss?

The strippers would at least triple the alcohol sales and get a ‘party atmosphere’ going in the cabin. And, of course, every businessman in this country would start flying again, hoping to see naked women.

Because of the tips, female flight attendants wouldn’t need a salary, thus saving even more money. I suspect tips would be so good that we could charge the women for working the plane and have them kick back 20% of the tips, including lap dances and ‘special services.’ Muslims would be afraid to get on the planes for fear of seeing naked women. Hijackings would come to a screeching halt, and the airline industry would see record revenues.

This is definitely a win-win situation if we handle it right — a golden opportunity to turn a liability into an asset.

Why didn’t Bush think of this? Why do I still have to do everything myself?

–Bill Clinton

–from Jester

RENEGADE LINE UP NOW IN 23?–Renegade Wheels has managed to raise the custom bar another notch with the introduction of these amazing looking full 23? diameter rims! That?s right you can now order your favorite Renegade style in an extra tall, sleek and slim 23 x 3.75. Manufactured to the company?s renowned standards for fit, finish and quality the rims are available in chrome, Ebony or powder coated to your liking. The new 23?s are priced at $1595.00.

All Renegade rims come with applicable hubs and bearings and carry a Lifetime structural warrantee. If you?re looking for unique these very cools wheel have you covered. For complete details visit the entire Renegade lineup at www.renegadewheels.com or call direct to 714-998-7241

NEW CONSUMER REPORTS AUTO PULSE SURVEY–Struggling Drivers Blame Washington for High Gas PricesMore than one quarter of consumers have considered the ultimate vehicle downsize-giving up two wheels. Among them, 18 percent have contemplated a motorcycle and 14 percent were drawn to motor scooters. Men and respondents aged 18-34 were most fond of this alternative.

Gas Sipper Series: Top 10 Tips to Max Fuel Efficiency on Your MotorcycleTen tips on how to get the max MPGs out of your motorcycle. Have any tips of your own? Let’s hear them!

Ride to Work Day – July 16!

The 17th Annual Motorcycle and Scooter Ride to Work Day is expected to be the largest ever! The recent rise in gas prices have caused many commuters to turn to motorcycles and scooters to save money on transportation, and they are finding them to be an economical, efficient and enjoyable way to get to work and around town.

Hop on and participate in the July 16, 2008 Ride to Work Day!

The Season Has Been Flying By
-Jessica Zalusky

Plummeting Down the Corkscrew
-Kurt Whittington

AMSOIL the Official Oil of Both theSturgis Motorcycle Rally & Daytona Bike Week– AMSOIL INC. of Superior, Wis. has signed agreements to be the Official Oil of both the 2008 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and 2009 Bike Week in Daytona Beach. AMSOIL has been a leader in synthetic lubrication since 1972 with motorcycle oils and premium filter products that are distinguished by their excellence

The two events attract more than a million bikers, bike builders and vendorsfrom around the globe to their respective vicinities,the Black Hills of South Dakota and Daytona Beach, Florida.

WAIT JUST A MINUTE, SPECTRO OIL IS THE OFFICIAL OIL OF THE BIKERNET AND THE STURGIS BIKERNET.COM BROUHAHA EVENT AT THUNDER ROAD–That’s right and our event will host a show for every kind of rider and machine from Metrics to Bobbers and even trikes. Check our list of classes below. But this Friday in Sturgis at Thunder Road will deliver way more than a hot show with lots of prizes. We’ll have girl contests, slinky and smart, kickstart, burnout, bands and round table discussions with bike manufacturers. Don’t miss a full day of fun and fine motorcycles. Here’s the classes. It’s free to enter just be there between 9-11 Friday morning. We’re giving away $15,000 in trophies and prizes.

Best of Show awards: 1st through 5th (trophies by Kevin Baas and Bandit, sponsored by Custom Chrome)

The following classes are all awarded first and second place: first place trophy from Dupont, second place, famous 5-Ball trophies sponsored by Custom Chrome.

American Manufactured: Harley, Victory bikes with unmodified frames. stock bikes broken into:

European Manufactured: Any bike produced by a European manufacturer. Unmodified frames.

Metric Manufactured: Asian manufacturers, unmodified frames.

Touring Bike: Custom dressers and modified touring bikes. Should have windshield, saddlebags and a faring

Trikes: 3-wheeled bikes with a motorcycle engines

Auto Bikes: Any bike with an automotive engine. May be broken into 2-wheeled or 3-wheeled.

Radical Chopper Category: Extended forks and or highly modified frame.

Bobber Category: Any stock rigid frame with traditional forks and low bars

Early Chopper Style: Any bike with highbars or outrageously high risers and stock length front ends and stock or nearly stock frame rakes.

American Manufactured Custom: Current D.O.T. manufacturer including Big Dogs, Titans, etc.

Traditional Bobber: Pre-1957 rendition of true bobber of the era.

Track Bike: A bike actually used in a racing form to include board track, off road, moto Cross and Scrambles

Drag/Comp bike: Any bike used for drag racing or salt flats records.

Sport Bikes: Caf? racers, street racers and sport touring bikes.

Sidecar Bikes: All bikes with sidecars

Antique Bikes: Original paint and restored antiques.

Antique Customs: Custom bike designed with an antique bike flair.

Scooters: Motorized bicycles, includes Mopeds, Whizzers, Cushmans, etc. May be broken into restored or custom.

Individual awards: All 5-Ball trophies except Paint by Dupont
Judge’s Choice Award
Best Paint
Best Engine
Best Design
Best Engineered
Best Detail
Best Display
Best Sheet metal

KOPP WINS GRAND NATIONAL HALF-MILE AT BEDFORD SPEEDWAY–Harley-Davidson Wrecking Crew Riders Coolbeth and Smith Fill Podium.

BEDFORD, PA (June 27, 2008) ? Latus Harley-Davidson/Screamin? Eagle rider Joe Kopp led every lap and rolled to his first win of the 2008 AMA Grand National Twins season on the Bedford Speedway half-mile. Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle factory rider Kenny Coolbeth finished second, 3.381 seconds behind Kopp, and Moroney’s Harley-Davidson/Screamin’ Eagle rider Bryan Smith was third, as Harley-Davidson Wrecking Crew riders filled to podium. Each rode a Harley-Davidson XR-750 motorcycle.

Afternoon rains delayed the start of the first Grand National event ever held on the clay track at Bedford Speedway, but the surface was put into good shape and practice began about 8 p.m., with qualifying held under a shortened program. Kopp jumped to the front on a re-start of the 25-lap main after Suzuki rider Jake Johnson crashed on the first lap of the original start. Glassman/LZ Racing rider Sammy Halbert followed Kopp in second place, followed by Suzuki rider JR Schnabel, Coolbeth and Smith. Those four riders spaced out ahead of the pack with Kopp holding a comfortable lead. Halbert?s strong ride came to an end when he pulled off the track on lap 10. Coolbeth and Smith, who charged back into contention after almost crashing early in the race, blew past Schanbel together on lap 20, and that order held to the finish.

?My bike was so good tonight I was able to pretty much do whatever I wanted out there,? Kopp said. ?I never looked back and didn?t realize I had a straightaway lead until I took the checkered flag.?

A strong race by Coolbeth preserved his points lead in the 2008 AMA Grand National Twins series, but Kopp moves from third to second and is now just 14 points behind the defending champion. After three events, Coolbeth has 65 points, followed by Kopp with 51, Smith with 50 and Chris Carr with 42.

The Screamin’ Eagle Flat Track team is sponsored by Matco Tools.

KNOCKOUT/BIKERNET EXHAUST GIVE-AWAY DIEHARD–Here is a pic of my Shovelhead motor. Since the exhaust you are giving away is setup to run on the left side, I custom built my shovel the same way (exhaust ports, cam cover, etc. all on the left side). Do I win?

Later… Eric

We have a winner, Rhys H. Ralston from South Daytona, Florida.–Congratulations, Bandit

CAPTAIN KIRK FOR PRESIDENT

Pull My Finger

Who needs a socialist commie or a RINO when we can have Captain Kirk in 2008!